Founded in 1996, Mars Hill Church grew quickly up until 2014. At its largest point, the evangelical church had 15 locations in five states and a following of about 13,000 people.

However, attendance began to fall as questions were raised about Driscoll. The Seattle Times reported the pastor, once known for his blue jeans and Chuck Taylors, was accused of mistreatment of church members and plagiarism.

“By God’s grace I have pastored Mars Hill Church for 18 years,” Driscoll said in his resignation letter, printed on the Religion News Service site. “Today, also by God’s grace, and with the full support of my wife Grace, I resign my position as pastor and elder of Mars Hill. I do so with profound sadness, but also with complete peace.”